Turmeric Falafel Burgers
Turmeric Falafel Burgers- a healthier version of falafel made with ground turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost. Each burger has 10 grams of protein! (vegan, gluten-free + grain-free)
I’m excited to tell you all about these falafel burgers but I can’t help mentioning what’s going on in Texas right now. If you live there or have friends and family that do, I hope everyone is safe and sound.
As challenging as tragic events like this can be, it fills my heart to see everyone coming together and helping those in need. I don’t have much to give but that didn’t stop me from donating. Even if it’s $5, that can amount to a lot if we all contribute something.
On a lighter note I think you guys are going to love this recipe. It was inspired by the same cafe as the rainbow kale salad that I shared earlier this week. I thought using the flavors of falafel in a veggie burger was genius and then decided to put my own spin on it by adding turmeric.
Not only do they have an anti-inflammatory boost from the turmeric but they’re also packed with nourishing greens like baby spinach and fresh parsley. There’s so much healthy goodness going on these babies!
Chickpea flour acts as the main binder in this recipe so there’s no need for chicken or flax eggs. That means if you eat them without the bun then they’re actually grain-free. I personally like them better that way even though I don’t have anything against grains. It’s just nice to mix it up sometimes.
They also freeze really well so if you can’t eat them all, you’ll have some to look forward to over the next month. They make for a great quick and healthy last minute meal. Just defrost, reheat and serve!
Turmeric Falafel Burgers
Yield: 8 burgers
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 30

Ingredients:
For the Burgers
- 1 and 1/2 cups roughly chopped red onion (about 1 small red onion)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 and 1/2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- extra virgin olive oil for cooking
- whole grain buns, lettuce and red onion for serving
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
Directions:
In a food processor, add the onion, garlic, parsley, spinach, sunflower seeds and chickpeas. Pulse for about 5 seconds, scrape down the sides, then blend again for 5 more seconds. Careful not to over blend. The chickpeas should be finely chopped but not mushy. It will make the burgers mushy if you over blend the chickpeas.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl then add the spices, lemon juice and chickpea flour. Stir to evenly combine. If the mixture appears too wet, add more chickpea flour a tablespoon at a time as needed. Using your hands, scoop out about 1/3 cup of the mixture and form into patties.
Warm olive oil a skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers for about 7 minutes on each side, until light golden brown. Alternatively you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 7 minutes on each side.
Prepare the tahini sauce by combining the ingredients in a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of water then whisk until smooth. Continue to add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add salt to taste, and/or more maple syrup if desired.
Serve burgers warm with tahini sauce, lettuce and/or red onion on toasted whole grain buns and enjoy!
Click Here for Nutrition Facts (nutrition facts are for one burger with tahini sauce, omit tahini sauce for a low-fat option)
To freeze, allow the cooked burgers to cool to room temperature before transferring to a freezer safe container. Freeze up to 1 month. Defrost for a few hours then reheat and serve!
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!
I recently discovered tahini and it’s so good! These burgers look super tasty. I agree with your statement about Harvey, every little bit helps and we donated as well. I hope that people don’t forget about those in that area as soon as the news cycle is over, however. They’ll be dealing with the rebuilding efforts for years and it just makes me sad to think about how many lives are changed forever because of this. :-(
I love anything falafel. I’m actually making a freezer meal today called Curry Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers. If I go another week in this pregnancy, I’ll have to add these to my list to make, too! I love having these types of dinner and serving them with a big Greek inspired salad.
It’s so devastating in Texas. I have a great aunt, uncle, and two 2nd cousins who are all effected, though not as bad as I’ve seen of some. I feel so sorry for everyone who has lost their homes and omg — the poor animals! Breaks my heart. :( I want to donate but I’m not sure which to donate to. I don’t really want to donate to The Red Cross but something a little smaller. Any recommendations?
I donated to Red Cross and HSUS because I know they are both reputable organizations. I’m sure there are plenty of great small charities as well, I just haven’t had the time to search for them.
I loveeee falafel anything and these burgers are so calling my name! I was visiting family for the last week or so and I am dying to get back to my normal eating routines (um yeah they don’t eat the way I do lol) … must add these to my menu!
I feel so badly for the people in Texas — it’s just awful!
These burgers look so wholesome and delicious and that sauce looks truly amazing!
Any subs for chickpea flour? Oat flour? Almond flour? I love falafel, I will definitely make this recipe!
I’d like to sub the chickpea flour, too. I have everything else in the pantry and don’t want to get a “special” ingredient. These patties are perfect for meatless Monday!
Hi Barbara! You should be able to sub oat flour if you have it. If not, AP flour will also work. I hope you get a chance to try them!
Oat flour should work! Let me know if you give them a try! :)
Falafel is one of my favorite things in the world!!! And, I also love cooking with turmeric! The color is great and it always seems to help when I’m having a stomach flare up. These look delicious!
Pingback: Over 2 Weeks of Healthy School Lunch Options - balancingjt.com
Pingback: The Weekender 9/2 - Oats & Rows
Oooh, these falafel burgers sound awesome! I absolutely love falafel. My favorite is eating them in fresh pita bread, so I might have to try these as falafel pitas!
Pingback: Facebook Saves October 2017- Recipes – My Life on The Earth Star
They were amazing!My family loved them! We baked them but they needed to be baked longer than 7 minutes at 400. Around 15 minutes per side, did the trick. Can’t wait to make them again!
Thank you for the feedback, Christina!
I finally made these and loved them. I gave Camryn one tonight and she devoured it! It was hilarious. This girl loves spice. I’ll be making these again.
Camryn is going to be a foodie just like her mama! ;)
Pingback: 37 Summer BBQ Recipes You Need This July 4th - The Money Minimalists
If you haven’t tried these burgers go for it. Soft texture, comforting and quick and easy to make!! Yummy